Culture blooms in Ticino in springtime

Lugano's lakeside and mountains provide a picturesque backdrop to the city's array of cultural events Keystone Archive

When they're not concentrating on parliamentary issues, the politicians gathered in Ticino will have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of cultural events and activities.

During the three-week parliamentary session, a variety of concerts, museum exhibitions and excursions have been planned for both the politicians and the public.

Ticino’s Concert Orchestra is scheduled to hold three concerts during the session on March 9, 16 and 23.

Meanwhile, at the Modern Art Museum in Lugano, an exposition of works by the Russian-born French painter, Marc Chagall, is being held until July 1.

The exhibition, which opens on March 8, will feature some of the artist’s earlier works from private collections and museums around the world. It is the first time since 1955 that a complete retrospective of Chagall’s works is being shown in Switzerland.

For flower-lovers, two camellia displays are planned during the month of March. The first is in the town of Piazzogna-Vairano from March 5-16 and the second will take place in Lugano’s city-centre from March 22-25.

Immediately following the parliamentary session, Lugano will host a Spring Trade Fair at its Exposition Centre from March 30 to April 8 and in late April and early May, the “Ticino Trade Fair” will take place in the region’s capital of Bellinzona.

Besides the full calender planned for the spring, Ticino is also host to a wealth of cultural events year-round.

One of the biggest is the annual International Film Festival, which takes place every August in the lakeside town of Locarno. The festival is one of the premier film events in world.

From June 29 to July 8, visitors to the nearby town of Ascona may think they’ve landed in New Orleans as the town plays host to a lakeside jazz festival.

From concerts to museums, Ticino has much to offer parliamentarians, residents and tourists alike.

by Anna Nelson

Addresses and venues for the events mentioned above can be found on the Official Ticino parliamentary website (see link below).